Aparigraha

This stage of autumn, where the leaves are past their most brillant and the chill is settling in, always reminds me of the power of Aparigraha. Aparigraha may be thought of as generosity, gratitude, or, contentment. The last of the five Yamas of Pantanjali’s 8 limbs of Yoga, it roughly translates to mean non-grasping, non-possessiveness, non-greed, non-coveting. Aparigraha is beautifully reflected in the autumn as leaves fall, bright colors of blossoms fade, birds migrate away and insects burrow down deep. The present passes and our landscape takes on a new kind of beauty as we shift towards the cold stillness of winter. How beautiful it is to soften our grasp and allow for different and new possibilities, to honor the Yama of Aparigraha.

In our physical practice of Yoga Asana, we can honor Aparigraha by releasing our attachment on the outcome of our practice. Instead of moving our bodies in order to get stronger, lose weight or increase flexibility, we can move in order to feel the joy of moving, of being present with what is. When we are paying attention, our bodies will feel a little different each time we practice Yoga Asana (physical postures). Sometimes the differences are obvious, our hips are tight from sitting a lot or our toe is sore because we stubbed it earlier that day, and sometimes more subtle, and hard to define. Consider how your body feels after a day spent with friends outdoors compared to one spent in traffic and on long conference calls at a desk. When we move from a place of regret "I should have remembered to take a short walk at lunch", "I knew better than to walk around barefoot", we miss out on the joy and possibilities of the present moment. We miss out on growth.

The impermanence of all things is a comfort in difficult times and gives us reason to appreciate what we have while we have it. When we are free of the need to control outcomes and focus instead on the quality and intention of our actions we are practicing yoga. Yoga does not need a mat in order to enrich our lives, and is reflected in nature during all seasons, if we have the right lens.

Here’s a quick practice to slow down and become more present in your day. (It may be helpful to set reminders for yourself to do this several times a day if you find it helpful!)

Take a breath in through the nose, out through the mouth a few times. Relax your jaw. Soften your shoulders. Notice the surfaces supporting your body. Additionally, you may silently repeat the mantra, “I am grateful, I let go.”